 |
Avoiding headaches/Taking headaches seriously
Rather than having to deal with pain and trying to find relief, it's worthwhile taking some precautions to prevent getting a headache in the first place. But when headaches do appear, watch for warning signs in case there are more serious underlying problems.
Preventing headaches is better than treating them. Here are some non-medication ways to avoid some headaches:
- Avoid or eliminate the stressful situation.
- Get regular exercise.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Eat regular meals - skipping meals can cause headaches.
- Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol.
- Prevent eyestrain - don't work for long periods at the computer without taking breaks to rest your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses and avoid squinting in the sun.
- Avoid known food triggers for migraines: some processed meats, caffeine products, MSG, old or aged cheeses, chocolate, nuts, figs, sauerkraut, aspartame
More serious issues
Rarely, certain headaches can be a sign of a serious problem. For example, headaches that appear out of the blue with fever and a stiff neck could point to a brain infection called meningitis. Headaches plus weakness, trouble speaking, vision problems, dizziness, or coordination problems can be a warning of a stroke.
Talk to your doctor if headaches occur more than three times per week, if you take a pain reliever on most days or have had to increase your dosage to find relief, or if the pattern or severity of your headaches has changed.
Seek emergency medical attention if a headache follows a head injury; if it is sudden and severe; if it is accompanied by a fever, weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, dizziness, loss of coordination, seizure, or vision changes; or if the pain gets worse despite interventions.
|
|
|
